I was astonished when they burst in, all guns and shouts.
In other times there were always warnings:
rumors, patches to wear—
So ‘n So’s been arrested. Listen, better clear out.
None of that happened though, the closing of shops,
smear campaigns, reports of violence.
I don’t even know who gave them my name
or why I was taken.
If only I could see someone else, hear nearby breathing.
The ones who bring food don’t even wear uniforms.
“Wouldn’t you like to ask me a few questions?” I say.
“Isn’t there anything you need to find out?”
“All in good time, all in good time,”
is the only acknowledgement I get.
I think of political alliance, sex, drugs.
I think of causes, marches, some wrong-think
to plead guilty of but keep drawing blanks.
That was another life and on either side of my head
are two new crescent burns.
I touch them as if for comfort,
wanting at least the remembrance of shock
but keep forgetting what for.
Grey Sparrow Journal 